Membership Criteria
What commitment is required of Hull CVS members?
We know how busy everyone is in today’s climate and we want to make sure that your time is committed to fulfilling your charitable activities. Therefore, we do not ask a lot of your time, but we do ask that organisations see membership as a two way relationship and commit to our membership objectives, and in return we want to make sure you are getting the optimum support from us as an organisation.
Therefore in return for the support and services our membership provides, we ask that members commit to the following:
Help us, help you
Our team have a wide range of skills and experience that is available to support voluntary sector organisations, so if you need support with policies, business solutions, training or funding please don’t hesitate getting in touch. Sadly many groups approach us when they are in crisis, so our biggest request is that members reach out for support early, safe in the knowledge we are there for you no matter how small the query may be. As part of this process you may be encouraged to undertake an Organisation Health Check which allows us to focus our support where you need it the most.
Confidentiality
Our membership will provide access to a range of additional resources, however we ask that these are not shared and are protected to the membership.
Contribution
From time to time we conduct surveys relevant to the local sector; the findings of which help us campaign on your behalf and attract funding to the area. In contributing to these surveys you will help maximise the evidence we put forward.
Vote
Help set the direction of our organisation by voting on matters at our AGM.
Up-to-date contact information
Help us to ensure annually that your membership data remains up to date as this gives us an overview of the state of Hull’s Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise Sector.
What is the eligibility criteria for members?
Membership of Hull CVS is free and available to any Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise Sector organisation in Hull.
Your organisation will need to meet the following criteria:
- You must be a voluntary organisation, i.e. that your affairs are managed by, and/or are ultimately accountable to, a group of people for no pecuniary advantage.
- Your aims and objects are broadly charitable to the exclusion of private gain.
- The organisation is conducted for the benefit of the public and is active in the community.
- The organisation’s activities principally benefit people in or around Hull, or has significant beneficiaries in Hull.
- The organisation is committed to supporting the principle of equal opportunities and will not knowingly discriminate against anybody on the basis of their racial or ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation disability or age.
- The organisation remains committed to fulfilling the commitments of membership.
In addition to charitable organisations, we do welcome membership from both public and private sector organisations, who can join our honorary membership offer. Our Honorary members benefit from network opportunities and access to our professional services, but do not have voting rights.
Applications to become a member
To apply to be a member simply complete our application form along with supplying the following supporting governing documents*:
- A copy of your governing instrument (constitution, trust deed, or memorandum and articles of association)
- The details of any charity, company or other registration.
- A copy of the most recent accounts.
The application will then be submitted to the Hull CVS Board of Trustees for approval against our membership criteria. Once approved one of our Sector Services Team will send you a welcome pack including a certificate of membership and will arrange a one-to-one meeting to discuss your organisational specific needs.
Please note, Hull CVS has the right to turn down an application for membership. In these circumstances we will provide an explanation within 21 days of the decision to refuse or terminate membership.
*If an organisations has not been in existence for very long they may still apply for membership. In this case they will need to explain in writing how the group or organisation makes decisions. Our team can help any existing or prospective group to develop a governing instrument if they do not have them.
Membership term
Membership once accepted is for an unlimited time or until the point whereby the organisation ceases to exist.
Organisations may have only one vote per organisation on matters at our annual general meetings.
Organisations can be cancelled following a notice period of 1 month. Termination of membership must be notified in writing to Hull CVS.
Hull CVS has the right to revoke membership should the activities of the member be irresponsible, unlawful, unethical, or should they act to cause detriment between them and Hull CVS. They will be given 21 days’ notice in writing of this decision with the opportunity to appeal.
Important: Please read Membership Application Guidance above before applying.